Umbrella Eric, A Sculpture by Graham Ibbeson

Say Hello to Umbrella Eric, a fiberglass resin sculpture by renowned British Artist, Graham Ibbeson. Dated back to 1991, Umbrella Eric will be celebrating his 30th birthday in 2021. He is
created from fiberglass resin and is from a Limited Edition series of 10.

Umbrella Eric measures 23.5" high (from the top of his head to the bottom of the base), 10" across (at the widest point, from the tip of one hand to the other) and he stands on a base that measures 7" x 10". He is all in one piece, and in perfect condition.

He derives the name 'Umbrella Eric' because a close look at his head and you will see that he has been designed with an open umbrella as his inspiration. His face is concave with a cane-like handle protruding from his mouth. You can even see the spires emanating from the center of his face. And if you turn Umbrella Eric around, you see the back of his head protrudes where his face sinks back, just as an open umbrella does.

Eric wears an old fashioned outfit, that speaks to his British creator's origins: Grey shorts, a blue vest and a white shirt, rolled up at the sleeves. A belt holds his shorts up, while we see his shirt coming out in the back. Traditional black shoes and grey socks cover his feet. He is standing on a grey, stone-like base.

He is signed, dated and numbered by the artist on the back of his stone-like base.

Umbrella Eric was given to a client of mine as a gift by a NYC artist dealer friend of hers back in the 1990's. His provenance is impeccable, as is the condition he is in. My client has enlisted my help in finding this extraordinary piece a new home as she downsizes her collection.

Umbrella Eric has taken residence in my home until we find him a new home. He is at once, endearing, unusual, charming, sweet and I can greatly appreciate the wonderful creative mind of his creator. Indeed, everyone I have introduced to Umbrella Eric has commented that 'he grows on you'. With each turn, the viewer notices something else about him. And with each viewing one discovers new folds, shadows and expressions.

But, alas, his time with me will be limited until we find the appropriate collector, home or gallery to call his forever home. We are excited to meet you!

ABOUT THE ARTIST, GRAHAM IBBESON

Graham Ibbeson was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, in 1955. Graham studied at Trent Polytechnic and Royal College of Art.

Graham Ibbeson's public collections have been shown in:

The British Council
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
The London Toy Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum

He received the Madame Tussauds Award for Figurative Art in 1978 and has received various commissions from the following:

1978 Commonwealth Institute (London)
1978 London Symphony Orchestra
1978 Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
1978 British Airport Authority (London)
1985 Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
1991 Eurotunnel

Although most of Ibbeson's sculptures are in bronze, he spent a short period of his life creating fiberglass sculptures. He is no longer creating fiberglass sculptures, which greatly increases their value and appeal.

And while he is widely known throughout England, he is not as widely known in the USA, which also creates the new appeal in the art of discovering this talented sculptor whose work stands out from so many others, and will only continue to increase in value with time.

We are entertaining any serious offers.

Please email us with your interest at: [email protected].

Umbrella Eric may be shipped, or if you are in the NYC metro area, we can set-up an appointment for you to see him. We look forward to hearing from you soon.